Infrared heating vs storage heaters
Infrared heating vs storage heaters?
Both are electric and resistive, so neither beats a heat pump on efficiency — but infrared gives instant, controllable, zonal heat, while storage heaters release heat on a fixed cycle and often waste it during the day. For most homes on old storage heaters, infrared is a more comfortable, more controllable upgrade, especially on a time-of-use tariff.
Side by side
| Infrared | Storage heaters | |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Instant on/off, per-room thermostats | Charges overnight, limited daytime control |
| Wasted heat | Only heat when you need it | Can leak stored heat during the day when out |
| Warm-up | Immediate radiant warmth | Depends on the overnight charge |
| Upfront cost | Comparable, slim wall panels | Bulky units |
| Tariff | Works well with flexible/off-peak tariffs | Designed around Economy 7 |
| Best for | Upgrading old electric heating | Homes committed to overnight-only charging |
Our honest verdict
If you're replacing old storage heaters, infrared almost always gives better comfort and control. The running cost depends on your tariff — pairing infrared with a smart time-of-use tariff is the way to keep electric-heating costs down.
Frequently asked questions
Reviewed by the Infrared Heat Solutions technical team · Last updated July 2026 · Data sources: Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem, gov.uk Boiler Upgrade Scheme